Having seen 3 financial advisors meeting Autumn was a joy and a privilege…read more Financial Advisor: #1 is a highly rated SF independent consultant that wanted $4k for a full life plan. I respected her but didn't want a full on $4k plan (really?) or did she respect my concern about the current market? No. I'm glad I left her because I still have my savings. #2 was a firm in downtown Berkeley who DIDN'T TELL ME they we're actually NOT independent (if you don't understand that last sentence go Google that before proceeding with any investments). #3 was a lovely women owned firm that ran the many tens of thousands of scenereros and said 'invest here.' Well, I don't want to, yet. And yes, thank you now please pay our $2k fee. Then I met Autumn. She's like an old friend who has your back, could care less about anything other than your well being, or thinking she has all the answers ... but what answers she has she's clear what apply to me and my situation. And she charges hourly (and I'm sure will quote you if you want X done). Since financial projecting is a math-guessing-game I like that I have a moderate, smart, kind, advisor who respects my concerns, watches out for me, and is fun to talk to. Plus she was referred to me by people smarter than me that I respect! There are a lot of people in finance who are full of themselves and it feels like you're going to the principal's office ... with Autumn I really feel like I'm with my really smart friend who cares about me not cooking my own a** when it comes to where I invest (and has given me GREAT advice so far).

Autumn made time to listen to my concerns about my current investments and make some concrete…read morerecommendations that I could act on. I liked that she works on an hourly basis and doesn't sell investments products or take any percentage. She was kind, very open, and transparent about what her investing orientation was. She even suggested that she might be too conservative for my style. So depending on what you needs are, I think Autumn might be just the perfect advisor.

I recently took a class offered by this company through Santa Rosa Junior College. No sales pitch,…read more fully transparent, just out to teach people a little about investing in later years . Boy, do they know their stuff, I learned so much about retirement strategies in this class. Really knowledgeable honest people.

My wife and I own a business and some real estate and want to retire in a few years. Brian and his…read moreteam met with us and quickly shifted these investments down to the key metrics to help chart a course to retire at our present lifestyle. There were no strings attached...Brian is a certified financial planner and uses 'state of the art' technology to quickly determine best and worst outcomes considering our tolerance for risk. Very impressive...plan to make them part of our professional advisors.

I've just started working with Katherine, but so far it's been a great experience. Not only do I…read morefeel that my investments will be handled well, but I am getting help looking at my full financial life plan. I have felt like my goals, such as home renovations, were out of reach or just a bit scary to plan for on my own. With Katherine I feel like I have a partner to help me get there. She's also provided introductions to other professionals so that I can have a team (financial, legal, tax) working together on my behalf. I never feel rushed when I'm meeting with her and there are no stupid questions. I was a little worried about working with an advisor that would lecture me on where I'm at with retirement, but Katherine is super positive and optimistic about starting from where you are at and reassuring you that you can get to where you want to be in a realistic timeframe.

I once dealt with an Edward Jones financial advisor who admonished me at the beginning of our…read moredealings that I "be nice and also that I never lie" to him. When I later asked him what fees he was charging to handle my account, he gave a nebulous, unsatisfactory politician's answer which meant nothing. He later transferred my account to a junior partner without first consulting me. I went in to meet the junior partner at his office. It was immaculate, as if no work was ever accomplished there, it was just for show. A framed picture of his family and a calender next to his can of pens were the only items on his desk. His office looked to me as nothing more than fake window dressing. He said "It's very good to see you again, John!" I had never before met him in person. I asked the junior partner how much he was charging me for fees on my retirement account, to which he replied "5%". It was obvious that my previous advisor was charging the same but did not want me to know it. This is way too high, abusively high. So I rolled the account over to a discount broker without first consulting the junior partner. He left me a panicked message on my answering machine to which I never responded.

I've had the pleasure of working with Jason Diaz and Oculus Financial Group for over a year now. He…read moreand his staff have helped my family with everything from our Estate Planning issues to the management of our portfolios. He takes his time and explains the intricacies of the markets in layman's terms. His staff is attentive and very responsive when we've had questions or needed additional paperwork completed. Thanks Jason, Nikki and the rest of Oculus' staff!

Jason Diaz has been my financial advisor for several years now. He has always gone above and beyond…read moreto make sure I understand all the intricacies of my portfolio and what I need to be confident in my retirement planning. When he started Oculus Financial I was happy to move my assets with him. He works hard for his clients and does not take their trust in him or his company lightly. He treats treats all with the same care and respect .

We bring all of our questions to Lillian and she very patiently answers them! She is an expert in…read moretax preparation as she is an enrolled agent. When we have questions, she will respond by email quickly. We really appreciate that. We highly recommend her financial planning and tax preparation services to you.

Meyers Financial Service has been working with US for over 20 years…read more I work with Lillian sever times a month and receive timely responses. I recommend Meyers Financial Services. Carroll D. Mills

Will I ever be financially independent? If so, when?…read moreHow can I make that happen sooner? Mark Zaifman at Spiritus was the first person out of three attempts who answered my questions with a clear explanation and without pushing a product. After helping me to define financial independence and assessing where I was, Mark drafted a plan, which we revised together. That plan provides me with a map for getting where I want to go. Mark made it clear that the plan is dynamic and that he'll stay the course with me. I have a ways to go, but I feel confident about achieving the goal. I'm grateful for the peace of mind. Jackson P Licensed Clinical Psychologist Washington DC

From the owner: Spiritus Financial provides fee-only comprehensive financial planning. Whether you are just…read morebeginning the financial planning process, seeking objective independent investment advice or starting to plan for your golden years, we can help. We guide you in preparing for a sound financial future - and peace of mind.

We scheduled a zoom call with Gary for some advice and to determine if we should use his services…read more He answered all our questions open and honestly, guiding us in the right direction. If the need arises to use a CPA in the future, I wouldn't hesitate to call Gary again. Thank you for your advice, Gary!

Gary is extremely knowledgeable and stays up to date in his education which is extremely important…read moreto me. He listened and provided answers to immediate concerns and met all expectations (and then some!). Highly recommend Gary to anyone who is looking for an expert in the finance/tax planning field.

I'm retired and loving it! I had debt and limited income. I had my doubts that it would ever…read morehappen, but thanks to Kathryn I made it. Kathryn worked with me for many years and kept me on track to do the things I needed. She sees what needs to be done and is able to communicate that in a firm but kindly manner. I found her vast knowledge comforting - and completely practical and do-able. She provided the kindly push I needed at times when I would lag behind and get lazy. Thank you, Kathryn.

My husband and I hired Andrews Financial Planning to evaluate our portfolio and advise on the…read morepurchase of a second home. Kathryn listened to our wants, clarified our goals and guided us through the process. She clearly requested the information necessary to complete the task and when received, she analyzed it in a timely and efficient manner. Kathryn is an outstanding oral and written communicator, always explaining things in an easily digestible way. She has a unique ability to evaluate a complex set of circumstances and provide practical advice with a variety of options for consideration, some of which expanded our limited thinking. Kathryn was open to all of our questions and concerns and is very well-informed on all aspects of financial planning. Her many years as a transactional attorney adds to her wealth of knowledge, and, as a fiduciary, gave us great comfort that she had our best interest in mind at every stage. We feel we received excellent value, and we will certainly use her services in the future.

Horrible! I had a 401K through my previous employer, which was paid out to me when I quit, which…read moretook forever. I didn't receive any status on the process, my calls were not returned, my emails unanswered. Then, I get another contribution from my old employer, which I appreciate, but cannot access it because JOE does not return my calls, answer my emails or assist me in any way. I spoke with home office and they said I have to deal with him, also not ok. I finally got in touch with him because his secretary Pat was just tired of listening to me vent at what a terrible business man Joe is. I told him that my daughter lost everything in the Valley Fire and that I would need my check expedited. He proceeds to tell me.. "it's so much work to close and reopen your account every time you get a deposit". If I could jump through my phone! So, to this day, I have not received my check, it's been two months. I understand that he may not want to do this small little transaction for me but put your feelings aside buddy and help those that are in need. He's despicable. He not only gets paid by my old employer but charges a fee as well. Which should be waived considering where the money is going.. IF I EVER RECEIVE IT!! I hope that this helps just one person from using his services as he is a selfish, unprofessional, lazy excuse for a human being. I don't usually write bad reviews, I feel like "what goes around".. but, this putz hasn't earned any of the fees he's charged, he has certainly earned this review!

From the owner: During these uncertain times, we're here for you - ready to listen, support and navigate this…read moretogether. We care about your physical health and your financial health. Please reach out and see how we can help you. Edward Jones is an investment firm that believes your financial goals deserve a face to face conversation. We can help you prepare for retirement, save for education and be a tax-smart investor.